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Page 2
When a negatively-charged stepped leader finally connects with an area of positive charge on the ground (or in another cloud or the same cloud), a lightning bolt races back up the leader channel to relieve the electrical pressure, illuminating the jagged leader pathway in passing. Several flashes are usually required during a typical bolt to relieve all the potential charge stored in the cloud region. The complete lightning flash, composed of a series of individual strokes, typically lasts about 4/10 of a second. The duration of each individual lightning stroke varies, but typically averages about 30 microseconds.
Copyright 2005, Keith C. Heidorn, All Rights Reserved. (Illustrations, unless otherwise specified, ©Keith C. Heidorn, All Rights Reserved.) Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Why Are Lightning Bolts Not Straight? - Page 2 in Meteorology is owned by Keith C. Heidorn. Permission to republish Why Are Lightning Bolts Not Straight? - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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